Head of Strategic Procurement

About the Opportunity 

The Head of Strategic Procurement is a key leadership role within the Finance team responsible for driving the Universitys procurement strategy and delivering a high-performing value-focused procurement function. Leading a team of procurement professionals the role will enhance procurement governance streamline processes and improve the stakeholder experience while ensuring commercially sound transparent and compliant procurement outcomes.

Operating within a centre-led decentralised procurement model the Head of Strategic Procurement will provide expert advice to senior stakeholders drive procurement excellence and efficiencies and foster a strong customer-focused approach. The role also ensures the University meets its regulatory financial ethical sustainability modern slavery risk and responsible procurement obligations supporting the achievement of the Universitys broader strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Universitys procurement function delivering efficient value-driven procurement services aligned to strategic and operational priorities.
• Drive procurement governance risk management compliance and assurance frameworks to support transparent and accountable decision-making.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies category management approaches and contract management practices that maximise value strengthen supplier performance and reduce complexity.
• Simplify procurement processes and systems to enhance stakeholder experience improve efficiency and provide responsive support.
• Provide expert procurement commercial and governance advice to senior leaders and key stakeholders.
• Manage the procurement pipeline ensuring effective prioritisation planning and delivery of strategic procurement activities.
• Build strong stakeholder and supplier relationships to deliver practical solutions and sustainable commercial outcomes.
• Lead develop and empower a high-performing procurement team fostering accountability collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Promote innovation digital enablement ethical procurement practices and compliance with relevant legislation policies and governance requirements.
• Represent the University in engagement with government suppliers industry networks and external partners.

About you

• Extensive leadership experience in strategic procurement sourcing contract management and supplier governance within complex organisations.
• Proven ability to lead a centre-led procurement function delivering strong governance stakeholder outcomes and measurable value.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to use data and insights to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement influencing and negotiation skills with success managing complex commercial matters.
• Sound knowledge of procurement governance risk compliance probity and contract management.
• Commitment to sustainable ethical and responsible procurement practices.
• Demonstrated success leading teams driving change and building a high-performance culture.

Candidates must have full unrestricted Australian work rights and may be subject to a National criminal history check. Sponsorship is not available for this role. 

What we can offer
This is a full time fixed term opportunity for 5 years primarily based Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site university you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith Universitys sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul Yuggera Jagera Turrbal Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary

A competitive salary will be negotiated with the preferred candidate.

Additional Information :

Why join Griffith 
 
As a values-led organisation at Griffith University weve worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer: 

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities 

• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment 

• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts 

• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading 

• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme 

• Opportunities for internal mobility 

• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives on campus Gym facilities 

At Griffith were committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever youre from. If you require any accommodations we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit ourEquity Diversity and  University is committed to fostering a safe respectful and inclusive community for alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025) Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information please refer to GriffithsModern Slavery Policy. 

How to apply 

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following: 

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role please refer to the qualifications above and the position description.

• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details 

For application and recruitment advice please reach out to Laura Whitworth Talent Acquisition Partner on

Closing date: Thursday 10th September at 11:59pm. All applications must be submitted online.

We kindly ask recruitment agencies not to send unsolicited CVs or approach members of our hiring team regarding this role as the recruitment process is being managed internally.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time